#SPMomsSpeakUp: 'Paano Maging Maganda Kahit Mommy Ka Na?'

So last January, around the time the Miss Universe pageant was happening, we noticed the question above on our Parent Chat forum. We don't know if the mom who posted was asking because of the beauty pageant. But we felt she was coming from a familiar place: exhaustion.

You probably know this well. There’s always more to do and never enough time in the day. You can barely squeeze in a shower, let alone spend time drying your hair!

We felt so many moms would have a "pang-Miss Universe" answer on the question of motherhood and beauty. So we asked, and you did not disappoint. Here are edited excerpts from the comments you gave on Facebook. We thank you! (See the rest of the submissions on our Facebook.)

Love makes us beautifulIt's a stressful job to be a full-time mom to 2-month-old twins and a 22-month-old son. Being tired and losing time for myself is typical for me. But, no matter how ugly I may be to others, I am still the most beautiful woman in the eyes of my children and my husband. At the end of a tiring day, the peaceful faces of my sleeping children and the loving hand of my husband make me smile like a real queen. It is their love that makes me so beautiful.--Bohol Ordoñez Meredith

A mom's beauty is eternalI want to start by saying that all women are equally beautiful. But being a mother is the true essence of a woman. I am not a perfect mom -- I fail at it most of the time. But I will never give up because my purpose in life is to help my children grow into unique and responsible individuals.--Stef Perpuse Padilla

The little things countExercise at home, wear a new hairstyle, have facials or the occasional massage -- these will make a lot of difference. Moms should find time for themselves. It will give you the much-needed boost to your ego.--Jennifer Molina Villafuerte The secret to everlasting beautyYou will be beautiful when you decide to let your kids be the reason for your stunning glow. The goodness in whatever you're teaching them will eventually be the secret of your everlasting stress-free beauty. Hanggang pagtanda mo, wrinkle free ka kasi mababait ang mga anak mo!--Roxandree Narud

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Care for yourself to care for your familyDo not be so caught up in that phrase na “pag nanay ka na, wala kang karapatang magpahinga.” To hell with what other people say. What is important is you know you are raising your kids right. Go easy on yourself. No one is perfect in the mothering and parenting world.--Rina Parrocha

Your #1 motivationUse your kids as your number one motivation to eat healthy, exercise and have a good outlook on life! You'll surely look and feel beautiful.--Niña Aurelio

Always beautifulYes, our bodies change when we conceive a child, and most of those changes will stay with us. Yes, we sometimes ignore the way we look when we're focused on the household chores and taking care of the kids. We forget to have our nails and hair done. But, mom, that doesn't make you any less. You are the same woman before you got married and had children, and this time, you are more special, more beautiful, more loved. Be proud of what you become -- a mother. We are always beautiful inside and out.--Janah Hanson-Gelera

Your own kind of beautyBeing a mom is the hardest job in the world! Always smile and be confident. Be your kind of beauty, mommies!--Mikee Hufano-Aclo Smile!Take some time to pamper yourself too. Laugh or smile often. Embrace motherhood. And most importantly, bear in mind that real beauty comes from the heart. Moms and dads can offer and give pure and unconditional love. That's what makes you beautiful.--Joan Gabalfin Fabillar Paano gaganda, kamo?Kumita ng pera at kumuha ng katulong sa gawaing bahay!--Shirley AY

The kids are proud of meWhen I pick my children up from school, I always make sure that I look neat and presentable -- my kids would be proud to be seen with their mom. It doesn't mean loading up on makeup. It's making sure that I've showered and I have dressed appropriately. It's also about offering a smile to everyone.--Jayz Alviar